Disclaimer: Do not own Austin & Ally and Twilight or any of the characters/actors/actresses involved with either. I do, however, own this plot and any mentioned OCs, who are obvious. Thank you!

"Living Addiction"

Chapter 1: At First Sight

Main Pairings: Ally/Jasper; Bella/Edward

Author's Note: Jasper and Alice are only friends, nothing more and nothing less. Don't like, don't read or review. Also, check out my profile for some of the outfits mentioned!

LA*LA*LA

Bella sighed as she threw another shirt into her luggage bag. It was long-sleeved, of course, since she basically uprooted herself to make her mother happy, and her normal clothes would be useless for where she was headed. It wasn't like she blamed Renee for the sacrifice she was making, but it could have been better.

Like Phil – her step-father – didn't have to live in Florida, while Renee lived in Arizona. He didn't have to be some big-shot baseball player that traveled all over the states. Why couldn't he find a stable job here? It was sunny enough, and Bella was sure some people would find the sport interesting or might want to learn how to play.

Then again, she hated sports; wasn't coordinated to save her life, and didn't understand anything that dealt with it. Bella found it absolutely boring, a real snore fest.

But still, why couldn't Phil move to Arizona again? Or why didn't she just follow her mother to Florida? She was a junior in high school. Just two more years of living under Renee's roof and Bella would be off to college somewhere else.

Oh wait. That's right. Bella would rather sacrifice her own happiness if it meant Renee was happy (and being taken care of, because, seriously, that woman was as flaky and absent-minded as they got). Besides, Renee and Phil were newlyweds. Newlyweds. That one word said everything. At least, to Bella it did.

So, that meant Bella was off to Forks, Washington, to live with her father, Charlie Swan. Also known as Police Chief Swan. And Forks was a small town, with an even smaller population. Where everyone knew everyone, and then some. Great.

This won't be awkward, Bella sarcastically thought, rolling her eyes. She wasn't even on the plane yet and she could feel eyes boring into her, under her skin. God, she hated attention.

Her mood perked up, suddenly. There is one bright thing about this move, however.

Bella's favorite cousin, Ally Dawson, was flying from Miami to also live in Forks with her. Ally's mother, Penny, was Charlie's younger sister, and she moved to Florida when she married Lester Dawson, a music store owner. Bella wasn't sure, but she always got the impression that Charlie and Penny were close. But it made sense since Bella and Ally were practically like siblings, too. Bella's best memories in Forks were when Ally was also staying in the small town.

Vaguely, Bella wondered what it would be like to live with Ally now, under one roof, and with Charlie as their only parental unit. The cousins hadn't seen each other in years. Charlie had started spending time in Arizona during the summer, and Ally had a booming music career as a singer-songwriter for Ramone Records. Needless to say, Bella had bought Ally's debut album as soon as it hit the shelves.

With her success as a singer, would Ally's personality be different? Had she turned snobby? Did she develop a holier-than-thou attitude? Bella highly doubted it, but she hadn't seen the other brunette since they were younger. A lot could have changed in that time.

Besides, why was Ally willing to move to Forks instead of staying in Miami? Her music career would likely suffer if she took herself out of the limelight. When asked, Ally had only said, "I just need some time to concentrate on myself rather than music. It'll always be there, but I feel like my life is heading in a different direction."

As Bella pondered on what 'direction' her cousin meant, Renee popped her head into the bedroom. She smiled at her one and only child. "You almost ready, Bella? You know, you don't have to move to Forks. You can come with me and Phil to Florida – and Ally won't have to leave either. You two will probably end up seeing each other even more!"

"As opposed to living together?" Bella replied, amused. She knew her mother meant what she said, but Bella could see within Renee's eyes the truth. Renee had married Charlie too young, the same as having a child. Her marriage to Phil was like a do-over, in a sense. It gave Renee a chance to be young again, young and in love. How could Bella not see that? Not hear it in her mother's voice whenever she talked to or about Phil?

Yeah, moving to Forks was the right decision.

"Look, Mom," she said, "don't worry about me or Ally. If things become too much or whatever, we'll know exactly where to go. Okay?"

Renee brushed some hair out of her eyes, a slight pout on her face. "Okay, fine. But you call me when that happens, alright? I want to be here for you, and you can always come home. Ally too. Remember that."

"I will, and I'll be sure to tell Ally the same thing, but I'm sure we'll be fine. We got along great as kids. I'm sure that hasn't changed. I mean, what could've happened in the last few years?"

For a second, Bella thought her mother was about to say something, but she appeared to change her mind. Instead, she smiled once more and with a soft, "I'll let you finish packing," she left the room.

Bella blinked, confused. "Was it something I said?" she muttered under her breath. Knowing no answer was forthcoming, she shrugged and went back to throwing her clothes into the luggage bag. Before she left the house for the last time, she had to make sure she had everything she'd need. The last thing she wanted to do was forget something important.

LA*LA*LA

On the day of departure, it was arranged that Ally would meet Bella and Renee at the airport, having just flown in from Miami. From there, the two seventeen-year-olds would finish the last leg of their journey together, and Charlie would meet them on the other side. Finally, Charlie would drive the trio back to Forks in his police cruiser. All in all, Bella concluded that the last part would be filled with awkward, endless silence. Charlie wasn't a big talker, a trait that Bella got from him. She hoped Ally was in a chatty mood.

When the cousins were reunited, it was exactly how Bella expected.

"Bella!" Ally called out cheerfully, standing and waving from her seat. Grabbing her carry-on bag, she quickly approached the taller brunette and Renee, who squealed and bounced on the balls of her feet. "Aunt Renee! Hi! It's been so long since I've seen either of you."

Hugs were exchanged and Bella didn't even feel awkward about the affectionate gesture like she normally would have been. It was strange, but in a good way. Something in Ally's voice just soothed her, made her worry less about what she was doing. Less self-conscious. It was nice.

"Hey, Ally," Bella greeted, smiling. "It's been way too long."

Renee added, "Oh, it has been! Ally, dear, you're more beautiful than the last time I saw you. You definitely got your mother's silky hair, thank goodness!"

Bella took that moment to glance over her cousin's appearance. The years had been kind to Ally, although Bella still stood several inches taller. Ally's hair was, indeed, silky and dyed in the popular ombre-style; chestnut with amber highlights. It was lightly curled at the bottom, framing an angelic face and doe-like eyes that reminded Bella of melted chocolate. Her frame was slim but curved in the right places, with long legs and graceful hands. All in all, Ally was dainty and petite, almost like a doll. Vaguely, Bella wondered if Ally had to beat guys off of her with a stick.

The most drastic thing that changed about Ally was her clothes. Bella could remember only seeing the other brunette in floral dresses and skirts and brown boots. Now, she wore tighter-fitting outfits that emphasized her assets. Currently, she had on a peplum top with a pencil skirt. A pair of stylish wedges adorned her feet, bringing the whole outfit together. Her makeup and jewelry was also tasteful and subtle.

"Wow…" Bella trailed off, "you look amazing."

Ally grinned. "Thanks, Bella. You look amazing, too. I mean – look at you! When we were kids, I always thought you were pretty."

Next to Ally, Bella felt like she was underdressed – at an airport! While Ally had the sun-kissed skin from living in Miami, Bella was pale despite the Arizona heat and sun. And Bella had never thought of herself as beautiful. It wasn't like guys flocked to her door every Friday night to take her out on a date. She was an old soul; she'd rather stay indoors and read a good book. Besides, none of the guys from her old school had interested her.

Mentally shaking her head clear, the taller brunette said goodbye to Renee (Ally doing the same) so that they could get through airport security and find their gate. The flight wouldn't be too long, thankfully; it was the long drive with Charlie that Bella dreaded.

"So, are you excited about seeing your dad?" Ally inquired as they walked. If she noticed the many glances from guys as she passed, she didn't say anything, so Bella didn't either. She must have been used to the attention, being a known singer and all.

It was like she read her mind. Bella sighed, but answered honestly, "I guess I'm a little excited to see Char-Dad, I mean. He didn't get to come to Arizona last time because of work." Two weeks a year during the summer was the only time Charlie took vacation, and he spent the whole thing with her. Most fathers wouldn't even give their kids that much, but Bella had a sneaking suspicion that Charlie wasn't over Renee. She hoped that wasn't the case.

Ally shook her head in clear disappointment. "Oh, Bella, you're actually calling your own father by his first name? That's terrible, especially when you know he loves you a lot." Taking a seat near their gate, she added, "Make sure you don't make that mistake around him. You'll break his heart."

"Yeah, you're right. I guess it's just habit now, especially after living with my mom for so long."

"True. And you haven't actually stayed in Forks for an entire summer in years."

Bella drawled, "Yeah…"

Ally smirked. "And now you're planning on living with Uncle Charlie. I think this time with him will be good," she said. Her tone turned wistful. "Sometimes I wish I could stay with my mom in Africa."

Bella raised a brow. "Why don't you? She seems happy all the way over there, at least from what I understand."

Ally gave her cousin an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me? Have you seen how huge the mosquitoes get?"

"No. How big?"

"As big as a horse, Bella. A horse!"

Bella laughed. "Okay, okay. That is pretty huge. No living in Africa for you – or me, for that matter."

Ally gave her a mock-smug look. "See? I told you."

For the next few minutes, the two young women continued making small talk. During that time until their flight was called, a handful of guys tried to flirt with Ally (and somewhat Bella) and pick her up for a date. Bella could understand the attraction. Her cousin was beautiful and had a way of drawing people in. It was the same when they were kids. Ally just had a type of natural allure about her.

When they boarded the plane, things were a bit calmer, although Ally had to sign a couple of autographs from fans who recognized her. Afterwards, however, their flight went undisturbed and they were able to catch up a bit more. Bella thought it was her best plane ride to-date.

Now, she just had to deal with the car ride with Charlie. That shouldn't be too bad, right?

LA*LA*LA

The drive back into Forks wasn't as bad as it could have gone, Ally thought to herself. Currently, she was in the guest room at Charlie's house that would be her bedroom until she decided to move out. Bella, of course, would be staying in her old room. Two walls on opposite sides were painted a soft green color, while the other two were light lavender. It strongly reminded Ally of the forest at sunset, when the sky bled purple and pink through the treetops. It was soothing and reminded her of her childhood.

The rest of the room was filled with the basic essentials. The bed was a comfortable size, not quite a queen but not a double either. The sheets were crimson – her favorite color – and further emphasized the 'sunset' theme of the entire bedroom. A desk was pushed up against one wall, with a rolling chair. A shelf had been installed above it, and it was halfway filled with books Ally knew Charlie thought she'd like to read. The dresser that held all of her clothes was old and well-used, adding a certain charm to the overall effect, the wood a beautiful mahogany.

Knock, knock.

Ally turned and smiled at her uncle as he leaned awkwardly against the doorframe. She wondered how her mother and Charlie could have grown up so differently. Penny was so vibrant and personable. Charlie… was not.

"Hi, Uncle Charlie," she greeted, hoping to put him at ease. "Thank you again for letting me live here with you and Bella. I really appreciate it."

Charlie cleared his throat, a flush touching his cheeks. "Sure, Ally, no problem," he replied, uncomfortable. "I actually like having you girls here. Makes the house feel…" He waved a hand, not wanting to continue his sentence. Like a home. He cleared his throat again. "Um, so…"

Ally decided to take mercy on the poor man. "Did you check on Bella yet? I'm sure she likes being able to stay in her old room. I bet you didn't even change a single thing in there," she said.

Charlie flushed darker and she knew she had her answer. She lightly laughed. He shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Well, anyway," he said, changing the subject, "You and Bells start school tomorrow, so rest up, okay? Billy is also gonna stop by in an hour or so to drop off a surprise I got for the two of you."

"Billy?"

"You remember him, don't you? Billy Black? He has a son named Jacob. You and Bells used to play with him when you were smaller."

Recognition glittered in her eyes. "I remember now. How is Billy? He and Jacob live on the Indian reservation, right? Quileute, I think?"

Charlie smiled, and Ally could clearly see what would make a woman like Renee marry him right out of high school. Charlie was a good-looking man when he wasn't scowling and acting uncomfortable.

"I knew you would remember them. They're doing fine, although Billy is in a wheelchair. He gets around, though, and Jacob is a huge help around the house. I go up to the reservation whenever I can to keep Billy company."

Ally smirked. "And to watch whatever game is on, right? I also remember that, Uncle."

Charlie chuckled. "He has the big screen now," was all he said in response. Slowly backing out of the room, he cleared his throat (again), once more uncomfortable. "Anyway, I'll just leave you to get settled. I'm gonna check on Bells and let her know about Billy, too. I guess just yell if you need anything."

"I will, Uncle Charlie. Thanks."

He used one hand to run it through his thick, dark hair. "Sure. Oh, you two will be sharing the bathroom in the hallway. It's not much, but it should get the job done. Decorate it however you like."

Considering a single male was now living under the same roof as two young women, Ally understood the space he was giving them. Thankfully, his master bedroom had a small bathroom built-in. She wondered how traumatized Charlie would be if he had to deal with feminine products… Or had to give 'the birds and the bees' talk to Bella…

Eyes widening at the thought, the petite brunette shook her head as a shudder worked its way down her spine. Not just Charlie would come out of that conversation scarred for life.

Ally cleared her mind as she glanced out of her room's window. Outside was gloomy and wet, like the clouds were just waiting for some poor sap to step outside so that it could rain on them. What a depressing thought.

Her fingertips gently trailed down the cool glass, eyes far away. Seeing another time.

"Well, I'm here," she whispered. Unknowingly, a tear slid down her cheek. She placed a hand over her heart, absently rubbing the area like it pained her. In a way, it did. But she knew it always would. Not even time could change that.

She didn't want it to.

LA*LA*LA

The loud rumbling was the first indication that Billy and Jacob had arrived with the surprise Charlie had gotten for Bella and Ally. The second was Charlie calling up the stairs, "Bells! Ally! Your surprise is here."

Ally exited her room, facial features once more composed and sunny. She smiled at the sight of her cousin. Bella looked like she was about to face a firing squad rather than receive a gift. Then again, Ally loved surprises and Bella… did not.

"Hey, Bella. Did your dad check on you?"

Bella nodded. "Yeah, he did." She paused before whispering, "Everything in my room is the same as I left it."

"Even the sheets?" Ally teased.

The other brunette shifted on her feet. "They're purple," was all she said.

"What's wrong with purple?"

Bella shook her head, a small smile twitching at the corners of her lips. "Purple is cool." Her words made it obvious that she'd had the same conversation with her father. Ally grinned in amusement. Seeing how father and daughter interacted would be interesting, to say the least.

Ally decided to change the subject as they made their way down the stairs. "So, the car ride wasn't so bad, right? It could've been worse."

"It was only bearable because you were there, Ally. It would have been so awkward otherwise, and you know it."

She cringed. "Okay, okay. It could have been less… strained, but it's probably because you and Uncle Charlie haven't seen each other in a long time. You just have to get into some sort of rhythm or something," she encouraged, her smile reappearing by the end.

Bella didn't look like she agreed, but nodded. "At least he doesn't hover," she said instead.

Ally chirped out, "That's the spirit, Bella. Think with a glass half full."

"If you say so, Ally. If you say so."

The two cousins continued outside, onto the front porch and lawn. The first thing that caught Ally's attention was the two newcomers, and how Charlie was teasing and laughing with the older male, who was in a wheelchair. Billy Black. He hadn't aged much since the last time Ally had seen him.

Which meant that the younger man was Jacob, Billy's son. Doe-like eyes glanced over the teen. He was decently tall for someone his age, which was around Ally's and Bella's, though he could pass for someone a year older, at least. His hair was long and black, framing a tanned face that was handsome, especially when a person saw the strong jaw line. His body shape wasn't scrawny, but he wasn't bulky with muscle either. Ally wouldn't be surprised if he lifted his shirt and it revealed a forming six-pack.

While Ally made her quick assessment, she didn't notice the way Jacob made his own and it was obvious that he liked what he saw, though it was subtle and not leering in a perverted way. Bella, however, saw it.

Forcing the smile off of her face, Bella stepped slightly forward and held her hand out to Billy, who was done trying to run over Charlie with his wheelchair.

"Billy, right? I remember you from when I was younger," she greeted, trying her best not to appear as awkward as she felt. Why couldn't she inherit Renee's positive traits when it came to interacting with other humans? Sometimes Bella had to wonder if she was born in the right time period.

"I definitely remember you, Bella," Billy said, grinning. He cast a teasing glance in Charlie's direction. "It's not like I could forget. Your father wouldn't shut up about your arrival since he found out you were coming."

Bella released an uncomfortable laugh. She watched as Charlie flushed, embarrassed, and went back to threatening to roll Billy down the hill. In retaliation, Billy tried to bang his wheelchair into Charlie's shins.

As the trio continued their conversation, Jacob nervously approached Ally, who was now staring at the red pickup truck. It was big and rusted, almost like it was about to collapse right there. Ally kept a close eye on it, waiting to see what would happen. On the bright side, it looked like it was built to withstand a tank.

"Um, hey," Jacob greeted, shoving his hands into his pockets. When Ally focused her chocolate eyes onto him, he swallowed. Damn, he'd never had a reaction like this before. Of course, he had thought Ally was pretty when they were children, but Bella had held his attention back then. But now all he could do was stare at Ally.

Said petite brunette smiled warmly. "Hey, Jacob," she returned.

He let out a slight chuckle. "I wasn't sure if you would remember me," he admitted. Shyly, he looked down. "We, uh, made mud pies when we were younger."

"I remember that. You and Bella were practically inseparable, too," she laughed. "Do you remember the time your dad tried to teach the three of us to make dream catchers?"

Jacob burst out laughing. "Oh, man, do I ever! Yours was the only one that came out right," he replied, grinning and relaxed now. "I think mine resembled a glob of glue and string. But Bella's…"

The two teens shared a look then laughed out loud at the same time.

When his mirth subsided, he added, "But you were always interested in stuff like that, right, Ally? You liked making arts and crafts. You were probably the only kid I've ever met who had that much patience doing one thing, in one spot, for so long."

Ally grinned, teasing, "And you were probably the only kid I met who couldn't sit still for more than two seconds, Jacob." Her heart gave a twinge as memories of a certain blonde entered her mind, but she quickly banished it. Now wasn't the time. When she went to sleep that night would be soon enough. "But, you're right. I went to an arts and crafts camp for one summer. It was great!"

"Really? What did you do?" Casually, he leaned against the truck, trying to appear cool.

"My friend Elliot and I tie-dyed our pillow cases," she chuckled, "when we were only supposed to do T-shirts. We were arts and crafts rebels!"

Jacob shook his head. "I don't think those words go together. At all," he said.

Ally playfully rolled her eyes, lightly pushing him in the shoulder. "Oh, be quiet, Jacob. You're just jealous of how awesome we were."

"Sure, sure," he said in his patronizing tone. "Whatever you say, Ally."

"I'm glad you see it my way."

Their conversation was interrupted when Bella exclaimed, "Really? You bought me the truck?"

Ally and Jacob turned their attention onto the others. Bella was quickly making her way to the truck's front seat, with Charlie and Billy following behind.

"Now, Bells," Charlie was saying, "the truck is for you and Ally to drive. I figured you two wouldn't want to arrive at school in a police cruiser every day."

Ally whispered to Jacob, "That would look so weird."

"Well, he is the police chief," he whispered back. "Some students would consider school prison." When Ally laughed under her breath, he grinned.

Billy said, "Jacob, here, can show you how to run the truck. There are a few tricks to keep her from completely breaking down, but she's good to go. Jacob's a great mechanic."

"Not to mention free, Dad," he dryly shot back.

"Sure, sure. That too."

Jacob rolled his eyes, but gestured for Bella and Ally to climb inside the vehicle. With the three squeezed into the limited space, Jacob in the middle to better show Bella the controls and clutch, he quickly taught the two everything he could think of.

Bella was adjusting everything to her liking and to get a feel for the truck, so Ally took the opportunity to say to Jacob, "Well, it's going to be nice to have a familiar face at school tomorrow. I know Bella will really appreciate it." Ally wouldn't mind it either, but she knew her cousin would have a difficult time interacting with so many new people, especially since they'd be staring at her for being the police chief's daughter.

"Oh, um," Jacob cleared his throat, smiling shyly, "I go to school on the reservation."

Ally blinked before realization dawned. "Oh, duh, that was silly of me to say." She chuckled, mostly at herself. "I forgot about the school there. It's definitely closer than the school here."

"But you – and Bella, of course – will still come up to La Push sometimes, right?" he asked, trying to keep the hope out of his voice. He didn't want to make either girl, especially Ally, feel pressured. "I mean, I'm sure my dad would like to visit his truck, too." And Charlie always drove up to watch the latest game. Ally might want to visit them, too, right? Jacob hoped so.

She smiled brightly. "That would be awesome, Jacob. We'll definitely have to plan something soon," she answered. Leaning slightly forward, she addressed her cousin this time. "Did you hear that, Bella? We've got to visit the Quileute reservation soon."

Bella gave her a distracted smile. "Yeah, sure. Sounds great," she replied.

Ally returned her attention onto the younger teen. "So, what's there to do on the reservation?" she asked. "Besides making mud pies, I mean."

Jacob chuckled then answered, "People mostly go there for the beaches, like La Push. We get some killer waves."

"Do you surf?"

He shook his head. "Nah, not really. I like watching others try to, though." He sent a teasing grin Ally's way. "I like making mud pies more."

Ally laughed.

LA*LA*LA

After Billy and Jacob left, Bella and Ally went back to their assigned rooms to continue unpacking. Charlie had parked himself in front of the television, so the two young women knew they would be on their own for a few hours.

When dinner time arrived, they were horrified by Charlie's (lack of) cooking skills. From there, Bella and Ally devised a plan for when they would be cooking the meals, as well as a shopping list that needed to be completed in the next couple of days. Although Charlie grumbled that his cooking was "edible, at least" neither teen were fooled by the relief in his eyes. Obviously, the man could use a good, home-cooked meal, not something he warmed up in the microwave (or oven) or take-out from the only diner in town. How he managed to survive so long on his own was a mystery.

By night time, Ally was exhausted. She showered and did her other nightly routines before collapsing into bed, face down. The last thing she recalled was curling her arms around her fluffy pillow, and then blackness engulfed her.

LA*LA*LA

Morning came, and Ally's alarm awoke her. Sleepily, she got up and automatically grabbed some clothes then stumbled down the hallway to the bathroom. She was done with half of her morning routines before she remembered she wasn't in Miami anymore, but in Forks, Washington.

Her toothbrush paused halfway into her mouth, and she stared at her reflection with wide, dazed eyes. Then, blinking, she shrugged and went back to what she was doing. Coming to Forks had been her idea. So far, it proved to be the right decision. It almost felt like the small town was welcoming her back home. In a way, she supposed that was true.

She just hoped Bella would eventually feel the same way.

Exiting the bathroom, Ally passed a sleepy but tense Bella, and then reentered her bedroom. Making sure everything was back in its place, she grabbed her backpack, a jacket, and headed downstairs to start breakfast.

"Good morning, Ally," Charlie greeted from the dining room table. A cup of coffee was sitting in front of him, with the newspaper blocking most of his body and face. Ally mentally thanked the gods that he had invested in a timed coffee machine. At least then Charlie could set the timer from the night before and have fresh coffee by the time he woke up and went to work.

"Good morning, Uncle Charlie. What would you like for breakfast?" Having grown up with a father who loved leaving for conventions at the drop of a hat, Ally automatically tied an apron around her trim waist that she brought from Miami. Lester wasn't a great cook either, so that left the chore in her capable hands. Not that she minded; she loved to cook and bake.

"Anything is fine. I usually just eat toast or drink a glass of orange juice."

Ally turned away from the fridge to give him a scolding look. "Uncle Charlie, that's just not healthy. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you know." Shaking her head, she began to rummage for something appropriate. "Honestly, I have no idea how you lasted this long…"

"I don't either," was all she heard him grumble under his breath. She smiled, though she knew he couldn't see it.

Grabbing a slab of bacon and some eggs, she pushed the fridge closed with a hip. At the stove, she said, "Well, don't worry. Bella and I will make sure you don't starve from now on." With that, she cooked breakfast with the limited supplies the pantry offered. Bella came down right before the meal was served, and the small trio ate in relative – but not uncomfortable – silence.

Soon after, Charlie had to leave for the police station. Bella washed the dishes, and Ally dried and put them away. The cousins talked during that time, asking how their first night went, then left the house for their first day of school.

Ally slammed the door to the passenger side closed. "So, are you excited about your first day at Forks High?" she asked her cousin.

In response, Bella grimaced. She did, however, start the truck, so Ally knew she wasn't going to fight fate by skipping school. Good, because Ally liked school; liked to learn new things. If worse came to worse, she'd kidnap Bella and drive them to school herself. Jacob had showed her all of the tricks, too, after all.

"I'm not looking forward to all of the staring," Bella finally answered, eyes more focused on the road than needed. "The teachers will probably make a big deal and make me introduce myself to the class. Just great…"

Ally nudged her gently with her elbow. "I don't think it'll be that bad," she soothed. "And hey, maybe you'll meet a guy who you'll actually be interested in. Your mom is always complaining about how you're always home on the weekends, instead of partying or something with other people your age."

"How do you know that?" Bella demanded to know, mortified that her cousin knew about how unsocial she could be. Then again, Renee may not be married to Charlie anymore but that didn't mean she stopped being Penny's friend. Bella wouldn't be surprised if the mothers had stayed in contact over the years, especially when it came to their daughters.

Ally confirmed her suspicions, then said, "I mean, I would be the same way, but spending the weekend at home hasn't happened in a long time. Between tour dates and being in the studio, not to mention making appearances all over Miami, I'm surprised I didn't drop with exhaustion yet."

"How is the music business treating you, Ally? I don't read a lot of gossip magazines and stuff. I'm a bit out-of-date when it comes to celebrities and what's the new 'it' thing."

Ally giggled. "I'm not surprised. When it comes to reading material, we both have the same likes." She waved a hand airily as her gaze focused on the passing scenery from her window. "Don't worry – you're not missing anything huge in recent news. No new rumors of me being romantically linked to some 'bad boy' or anything like that."

It was the truth, after all. She didn't lie. There was nothing huge that recently came out involving her. Her conscience was clear.

Absently, Ally rubbed the spot over her heart.

LA*LA*LA

At school, finding the administrative office wasn't nearly as hard as one would think. Like the town itself, the school was small (compared to Marino High) and the population of students was even smaller. Of course, this meant intimate class sizes with basically the same people. The last fact was the only highlight Bella could foresee, because it meant she would be sharing a couple of subjects with Ally.

Ally, on the other hand, missed the diversity Marino could offer, but she understood. Small town life meant small everything, including class options. She would have to retake a few classes she'd already passed, but she didn't complain. It just meant her junior year of high school would be a breeze. That would be a plus, and she would have ample time to join a few clubs, like she did at Marino. Her music career was officially on hiatus until she decided to return. If she decided to return.

As soon as the receptionist gave them their schedules, the cousins compared their classes.

Bella mentally cursed. "We only have two classes together," she stated, unhappy.

Ally tried to look on the bright side. "Well, at least we'll be able to hang out during the second half of the day, so it's not so bad. We can eat lunch together, too."

"Yeah, I guess so," the other brunette grumbled. "Why did you have to take Calculus, anyway? And French? I bet if you took Trigonometry and Spanish, we would have ended up in the same classes."

"Only if they were at the same time as each other," she replied, the voice of reason. "I could have been signed up for those classes but have them at completely different times. Just be happy we have Biology and gym, Bella."

Bella released a long, drawn out sigh. "Fine, whatever. Let's just find the student parking lot and get to class. It's bad enough we have to stand in front of the classroom and introduce ourselves – being late would just be the cherry on top."

The two brunettes jumped into the truck once more, and Bella followed the line of cars to what she assumed would be the student parking lot. Not needing any more attention due to the truck's loud engine, she quickly parked and slipped out of the truck. Ally followed silently, gaze wandering around their new surroundings.

At the exact same moment, they spotted the silver Volvo.

"And you were probably afraid the truck would be noticeable," Ally whispered to Bella, not wanting to draw attention to them yet. Bella wouldn't appreciate it, and Ally respected her cousin's quirks.

Bella's lips twitched into a small smile. "That Volvo stands out like a sore thumb next to all of the older cars," she agreed. "I wonder who drives it?"

"I'm sure we'll find out in no time. In a town as small as Forks, gossip gets around very quickly."

"I was afraid of that," Bella sighed.

Ally shook her head at her cousin's words, amused and exasperated. "You'll be fine, Bella. Anyway, what building are you going to again? I have Government with Jefferson first."

Checking her schedule, Bella answered, "English, building three. What building are you in?"

"Six."

"You better leave now, then. I'm not going to be responsible for making you late on our first day, Ally."

"Are you sure?" Ally asked, giving Bella a concerned glance. "You're not afraid the vultures will descend upon you the moment I leave your side?"

Bella snorted in amusement. "Have you seen me? I'm all skin and bones – no predator on Earth would want to sink his teeth into me."

LA*LA*LA

Government was an interesting affair for Ally. Hell, her whole morning could be considered that, actually.

It started from the moment she left Bella to find her first class. Ironically, it was Ally who had to worry about the pack of vultures to descend upon her form. Boys seemingly popped up out of nowhere to ask her questions. Sure, it started out helpful; more than a few asked if she needed any assistance finding her classrooms. They even offered to carry her books because they looked "very heavy" and she had such "small, dainty hands." More than half asked if she needed someone to sit with at lunch.

And then it started getting weird.

A couple of guys asked where she had moved from. Harmless enough, so she answered. Then a few more asked how she was enjoying Forks. Again, harmless, so she answered. It didn't take long after that for them to start offering tours around the town, not just school. Tours turned into invitations to go on dates. And that's when dates turned into the group of guys trying to one-up each other. The prize? Ally, herself.

Great. Just great.

And the worst part? She was stuck right outside her classroom. The walls of male bodies completely blocked her smaller figure from finding sanctuary within the four walls that taunted her with its wide open door. If she stood on her tiptoes, she could clearly see the teacher's desk and the chalkboard.

"Well, Ally doesn't want to go on a date with you. She wants to go to the movies with me!" someone exclaimed.

What? When did that happen? She didn't remember agreeing to go anywhere with anyone. Were they just deciding for her now?

"You're delusional, buddy," someone else called out.

All of them were crazy, she thought. But yes, delusional summed it up too.

"She's going to the beach with me!" the same voice finished.

Ally sighed, using one hand to rub her pounding temple. Seriously? What was wrong with the male population of Forks High? She just wanted to go to class… And she wished they would stop deciding things for her. It was annoying. She could make up her own mind.

Suddenly, as if by magic, the rowdy group of boys calmed. Their voices lowered gradually and their tensed forms loosened.

Surprised, Ally glanced around to see what had caught their attention to force this type of quick reaction. Maybe a teacher was coming? She hoped so. She'd accept anything that kept them from continuing their fight.

"Excuse me," a deep, male voice softly commanded, a slight Southern accent breaking through the words. Ally fairly melted at the sound. She loved accents.

It wasn't long before she came face-to-face with a tall blonde. He stood at the entrance to the classroom she was supposed to be in, his arms straight at his sides. Vaguely, she wondered if he came from a military-type of family; his stance was fairly formal and authoritative. His facial features were breathtakingly handsome, although his skin was perhaps too pale. His eyes, however, held her captive. They were honey-brown, soulful almost, like he'd seen too much. An old soul, maybe?

What is with me and blondes? Ally wondered, but quickly dismissed the thought. Gavin Young, an ex-boyfriend who was famous for his country music, had been a brunette. It was proof that she wasn't a sucker for blondes. Her first crush, Dallas, had been a brunette, too.

Good-looking blondes, on the other hand…

Her blonde savior, as she was labeling him for now, slowly walked down the clear path the other guys had left when they moved at the sound of his voice. It was a path that led directly to Ally. She swore her heart skipped a beat.

He smiled, his eyes intense and practically glued to her face. "Hello," he greeted, his accent deepening. "I couldn't help but notice that you seemed to be in trouble. I thought my assistance was needed."

Whatever spell his attractive looks cast on her was suddenly broken, and Ally blinked in surprise. "You calmed them down somehow?" she asked. "How did you do that? Do you have, like, a power over people or something?" She chuckled at the thought, disbelieving.

The blonde male stiffened, almost resembling a statue. Then, he blinked and everything started to move again. "No, no," he said, smiling once more. "Nothing dramatic like that, darlin', I assure you. I just have a… way with people."

Ally felt as though he was holding something back, but let it go. They just met. They didn't need to spill their life's stories right that second. Besides, she kind of liked the way his term of endearment rolled off his tongue like silk.

"Oh, I see," she said, instead, "I guess that comes in handy sometimes."

"You have no idea." His eyes were back to staring intensely, like he was trying to read something that was buried within her brain. It was a bit unnerving. Did she have a pimple? If she did, he didn't have to stare at it.

"Anyway, I'm Ally Dawson. I just moved to Forks. And you are…?"

"Jasper Hale, darlin'. It's a pleasure to meet you."